The Asian DVD Guide  

  Wednesday, 8/27/2003

Last Week's Mega Star Releases
Here are last week's Mega Star releases. Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to Mega Star for the information/pictures.

Family Day (1990)
Cast: Kent Cheng, Fung Shui Fan, Carrie Ng, Chow Mei Fung
Executive Producer: Wallace Cheung
Producer: Fung Shui Fan
Director: Fung Shui Fan
Screenplay: Chan Fai Hung
Cinematographer: Choi Wah Sing
Art Director: Lam Sai Kan
Editor: Wong Ming Lam
Synopsis
Ken, an experience and disinterested cop, lived with his ten-year-old son. Fatty, a nice pickpocket who got an old mother, a wife and a hardworking son. Fatty lied to his family that he was working in the factory.

The story began at one day when Fatty and his partner, Wah stole Ken's wallet. During the investigation, Ken found that Fatty's son and his son were classmates and Ken felt quite sympathy for Fatty's situation.

Fatty's mother was injured in an accident. In order to procure medical fees, Fatty decided to make a robbery with Wah and some other people. However, he was recognized by the police through the closed circuit TV.

Fatty went to the hospital to visit mother before his escape but was found by Ken. Ken clasped for an arrested Fatty. Upon learning the reasons, Fatty's family forgave him and Fatty finally understood that he was guilty to be punished.
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Cantonese, Mandarin
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
Path Of Glory (1989)
Cast: Max Mok, Wilson Lam, Cheung Kok Keung, Adam Cheng, Vivian Chow
Executive Producer: Wallace Cheung, John Sham
Producer: Philip Chan
Director: Jimmy Yeung
Screenplay: Philip Chan
Cinematographer: Chan Pui Kai
Action Director: Lee Kin Sang
Editor: Ma Chung Yiu
Synopsis
Undercover cop Cheung returns to his police academy for training. He becomes friends with few of his classmates. The drill officer takes on the blame for Cheung and company for their violation of the academy's rule and has to be discharged early. Once outside he is brutally murdered by the "Gang of Four". Three years later, his pupils now police officers, track down the gang and avenge the death of their tutor.
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Cantonese, Mandarin
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
Yesteryou Yesterme Yesterday (1993)
Cast: John Tang, Eric Tsang, Petrina Fung, Ellen Lo
Executive Producer: Wallace Cheung
Producer: Peter Chan
Director: Samson Chiu
Writer: Lee Chi Ngai
Cinematographer: Jingle Ma
Art Director: Luk Man Wah
Music: Lo Sai Kit
Synopsis
This is a story about growing up --- a boy's growing up with a city. As the story goes, we witness Sing-Ball's birth at a time when Hong Kong's status quo as a city-state in the developed world was in it's infancy itself.

Sometimes, Sing-Ball has to depend upon his relaxes and intuitions and occasional escapes into fantasy land to negotiate with the ever-changing world around him. Among some his emotional indentations within that pivotal term are the seesawing friendship with an ugly-duckling-teen-swan childhood girlfriend, the losing of his best buddy to a girl, the death of an adversary-turn-mentor, an unrequited puppy love for a wide-eye fairy-like tenant who breezes through his heart.
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Cantonese, Mandarin
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles

Upcoming Mega Star Releases
Here are some upcoming releases from Mega Star due for release on or before 09/15/2003. Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to Mega Star for the information/pictures.

Hero Of Tomorrow (1988)
Cast: Max Mok, Miu Kiu Wai
Executive Producer: Joe Siu, Wallace Cheung
Producer: Wallace Cheung
Director: Poon Man Kit
Screenplay: Yip Wai Chung
Art Director: Lam Chat Chee
Synopsis
Sammy is a man of honour. He lives by the underworld's code of honour. He helps friends and kills enemies, for instance, Alex who got him 3 years behind bars.

Sammy is now a fugitive in Taiwan being protected by Kirk, one of the gang leaders. Once Kirk injures Quinn, his opposition and young Willy takes the rap. Sammy and Willy become friends.

Kirk begins to turn against Willy. He sends Willy to Hong Kong and orders to kill him. Willy escapes back to Taiwan, only to find his girl friend has committed suicide after she has been raped. At the same moment, Kirl's men come for him and kill his sister who comes with Sammy to deliver their wedding news.

With Sammy by his side, Willy starts his vendetta......
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Cantonese, Mandarin, English
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
Shanghai Fever (1994)
Cast: Lau Ching Wan, Pun Hung, Kwok Kam Yan, Wong Wah Ying
Producer: Yip Wai Chung
Director: Li Kwok Lap
Screenplay: Kwan Ching Man
Cinematographer: Sham Miu Wing
Art Director: Lee Lok See
Editor: Cheng Chak Man
Synopsis
It is a satirical drama about life in China of the 90s, the new money-crazed attitude of the people in a communist nation. The story shows us a slice life in the working strata of Shanghai, the biggest metropolis of China. Lily is a classic example of the Chinese in this era. She learns that money can offer her what she has always wanted, on the other hand, she is losing what could be the most valuable thing in her life through her act of acquiring wealth.
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Mandarin
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
To Catch A Thief (1991)
Cast: Carol Cheng, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Ng Man Tat, Cheng Pak Lam, Moon Lee
Executive Producer: Joe Siu, Stephen Sin
Producer: Stephen Sin
Director: Andy Chin
Screenplay: Leung Hung Wah, Chan Bo Wah
Cinematographer: Yeung Jim
Art Director: Ching Chi Leung
Action Director: Kwok Chun Fung
Music: Wong Bong Yin
Synopsis
When Ching moves to live in the suburb area to relax her anxiety, she will never dream of a life which is more excited than when she is living down town.

It all originates from the fact that a thief hides in her car when Ching is moving to her new home. Without knowing the thief's identity, Ching, Pak Lam (a kid who becomes a friend of Ching as soon as they meet) and the thief become friends. When the thief is attacked by his partners, Ching and Pak Lam join hands to send the thieves to court.
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Cantonese, Mandarin
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
Women On The Run (1993)
Cast: Tarmara Guo, Fariney Chang, Wong Wai Tak, David Lai
Executive Producer: Joe Siu
Producer: Corey Yuen, David Lai
Director: Corey Yuen, David Lai
Screenplay: Poon Yuen Leung
Cinematographer: Wong Chung Biu
Art Director: Tsang King Yin
Action Director: Yuen Tak
Synopsis
Swallow was a simple Chinese girl but was innocent in love with a man who led her to Canton and a life of drugs and prostitution. She could no longer take it any more so she killed him. Having escaped to Hong Kong, Swallow was forced back into prostitution. Troubles with the police resulted in her being used as an informer and things really got dangerous. Teamed with a policewoman partner, Rainbow, they were identified by a drug lord. He had them sent to Canada and framed up with innocent, so they decided to be fugitives. Swallow and Rainbow began by acting as prostitutes and then robbing their clients to earn their living. Later they discovered that they had been framed by a bribed police officer and his partner. They vowed to seek revenge. Swallow and Rainbow smashed their way to vengeance and fought for their justice.
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Cantonese, Mandarin, English
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles

  Tuesday, 8/26/2003

Last Week's Mei Ah Releases
Here are last week's Mei Ah releases. Click on the pictures below for a larger image. Thanks to Mei Ah for the information/pictures.

Love Undercover 2: Love Mission (2003)
Director: Joe Ma
Cast: Miriam Yeung, Daniel Wu, Raymond Wong Ho-Yin, Sammy Leung

Synopsis
The Crime Investigation Department Unit in charge by Fong and Man is assigned a new task, which is to protect a princess-consort named Tasah coming from the Republic of Puerto Risi. Fong is appointed to arrange a fantastic trip to introduce Hong Kong for the princess-consort. However it is only a beginning of this mission, a big crisis is coming to her…
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Languages: Cantonese, Mandarin
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • 2 DVD Set:
    • Disc 1 (DVD-9)
      • Film
    • Disc 2 (DVD-5)
      • Extras (60 mins)
        • Trailer
        • Making Of
        • Data Bank
        • Best Buy
        • Behind The Scenes
        • Unseen Footage
Full Throttle (1995) (Remastered)
Director: Derek Yee
Cast: Andy Lau, Gigi Leung, Chin Kar-Lok, David Ng

Synopsis
Andy Lau is a seasoned motor-cycle driver. His unpleasant relationship with his father resulted in his rebellious character. His ultimate goal is to enroll in Grand Prix Racing. But in a private race before the Grand Prix, a severe crash almost took Andy's life. After that, he lost all his confidence. But after his best friend died in a race, he decides to race again and gain back his confidence......
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Languages: Cantonese, Mandarin (DTS)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • DVD-9
20/30 Dictionary (Volume 17 and 18) [TV Series]
Cast: Athena Chu, Chapman To, Tiffany Lee, Wong You-Nam

Contains episodes Back Up and Cock Power.
  • Cantonese, Mandarin
  • Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • PAL format

Sept 4 IVL Shaw Brothers Specs
Here are the specs for the September 4 batch of Shaw Brothers releases from IVL. Thanks to IVL for the information/pictures.

Farewell, My Love (1969)
Director: Chin Chien
Cast: Julie Yeh Feng, Kwan Shan, Jenny Hu
Genre: Drama

Synopsis
In Farewell, My Love Julie Yeh Feng plays a devoted wife and mother dying from an incurable illness. Her goal now is to find a new mother for her child and a new wife for her husband before she dies. Because of all her personal tragedies and on going hard life off camera, audiences associated with Julie, making her one of the most beloved actresses of her time.
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Heroes Of Sung (1973)
Director: Shen Chiang
Cast: Shih Szu, Lo Lieh, Chang Pei-shan, Chen Chun
Genre: Martial Arts

Synopsis
Heroes of Sung stars one of the original kung-fu ladies of the silver screen Shih Szu playing swordswoman Meng Hung who must work with Fan Tien-fu, played by perennial Shaws bad guy Lo Lieh (although he's good in this) to find then protect the royal seals of the Sung Dynasty. If they should fail, the dynasty will fall. Shih's magnificent performance earned her the female hero role in the Shaws-Hammer Studio hit Dracula and the 7 Golden Vampires.
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Little Dragon Maiden (1983)
Director: Hua Shan
Cast: Leslie Cheung, Mary Jean Reimer, Chen Kuan-tai, Liu Hsueh-hua, Tanny Tien Ni
Genre: Martial Arts

Synopsis
When Hong Kong's new wave, gravity-defying action-look hit the scene in the early 1980's, so did a new wave of actors: Canto-pop stars. Little Dragon Maiden intelligently mixed the old with the new to create pure golden magic as kung-fu fighting veterans Chen Kuan-tai and Lo Lieh joined relative newcomer Leslie Cheung in a far-out, costume-action love story that really cooks. Cheung garnered international recognition in John Woo's A Better Tomorrow.
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Secret Service Of The Imperial Court (1984)
Director: Lu Chin-ku
Cast: Liang Chia-jen, Liu Yung, Hu Kuan-chen, Ku Feng, Lo Lieh
Genre: Martial Arts

Synopsis
Liang Jia-jen delivers an awesome display of screen presence and martial art prowess in Secret Service of the Imperial Court where he plays secret service agent Chao Pu-fun who must rise up above the odds to protect the innocent against a power mad Eunuch (Liu Yung). It's balls to the walls action. Liu is best remembered for his first two roles, co-starring with Bruce Lee in The Big Boss and Fists of Fury.
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Sunset (1971)
Director: Inoue Umetsugu
Cast: Ching Li, Paul Chin Pei, Tien Feng, Ouyang Sha-fei
Genre: Drama

Synopsis
Teenage heart throbs Ching Li and Paul Chin Pei come across like Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon in the musical Sunset, a musical romp that plays similar to one of Hollywood's famous "Beach Party" movies. A car load of girls meets a car load of boys and Ching and Paul ultimately fall in love. Yet the film takes an acrid twist and turns out to be more like a Shakespearian tragedy than a beach-babe party.
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Torrent Of Desire (1969)
Director: Lo Chen
Cast: Jenny Hu, Yang Fan, Chiao Chuang, Angela Yu Chien
Genre: Drama

Synopsis
Torrent of Desire cascades with flames of lust that burns with romantic chiller delight. Directed by the acclaimed romance director Lo Chen, the film stars the sexy Eurasian model/actress Jenny Hu, which adds fuel to fire's desire. And watch out for the up and comer Angela Yu Chien who plays a precocious love-starved daughter of a rich widower. Angela later appears in Hong Kong erotic Category III films.
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.

Sept 18 IVL Shaw Brothers Specs
Here are the specs for the September 18 batch of Shaw Brothers releases from IVL. Thanks to IVL for the information/pictures.

Danger Has Two Faces (1985)
Director: Chang Kuo-ming
Cast: Liang Chia-jen, Chu Chiang, Fei Hsiang, Carroll Gordon (aka Ku Chia-lu)
Genre: Action

Synopsis
Martial art film standout Liang Chia-jen brings the same animalistic intensity from his early heroic bloodshed films to his Danger Has Two Faces tough, ex-cop character now relegated to becoming a pet store owner. The stern Police Superintendent Liu played by Chu Chiang sets the stage for his later role in John Woo's The Killer while new comer Fei Hsiang must do Serpico-like things to find out which cop is paid for by the mob.
  • Letterboxed (1.85:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Heaven And Hell (1978)
Director: Chang Cheh
Cast: David Chiang, Alexander Fu Sheng, Maggie Li Lin-lin, Jenny Tsang, Li Ngai-man, Lin Chen-chi
Genre: Action

Synopsis
Critically acclaimed, Shaolin-brotherhood, film director legend Chang Cheh bring martial mayhem beyond reality as he merges the The Five Venoms with Alexander Fu Sheng and David Chiang to add new levels to Dante's already agonizing "Inferno." Heaven and Hell screams bloody madness because the violent fight sequences will make you wince in disbelief while the notion of hell goes beyond psychotic.
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Jade Tiger, The (1977)
Original Story: Ku Lung
Director: Chu Yuan
Cast: Ti Lung, Hsiao Yao, Shih Szu, Derek Yee (aka Erh Tung-sheng), Ku Feng, Lily Li
Genre: Martial Arts

Synopsis
The headless corpse of the Chao Clan patriarch and the theft of a jade tiger set in motion another successful collaboration between three of the biggest names in swordplay action dramas: director Chu Yuan, martial arts novelist Ku Lung, and kung-fu superstar Ti Lung (the same trio who made The Magic Blade and Clans of Intrigue such big hits). The authoritative Hong Kong Movie News magazine praised the film as one of the director's most "well-known suspenseful thrillers."
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Puppy Love (1985)
Director: Su Ching-wen
Cast: Dicky Cheung, Sandy Lamb, Pai Yin-jan, Chan Chun Kwok
Genre: Comedy

Synopsis
True to it's title, Puppy Love abounds with adolescent playfulness and innocence lost, reflecting the intended nature of Donnie and Marie Osmonds hit song, "Puppy Love." It's about two naughty rivals growing up together who next discover boys, specifically Paul and Michael. The four begin to intertwine with love and emotion, not really knowing who's with whom or where each is heading. The fireworks begin when adolescent jealousies lead to stupidity where people start to get hurt.
  • Letterboxed (1.85:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Return To The 36th Chamber (1980)
Director: Liu Chia-liang
Cast: Gordon Liu Chia-hui, Wang Lung-wei, Chen Szu-chia, Hui Ying-hung, Hsiao Hou
Genre: Martial Arts

Synopsis
The original 36th Chamber of Shaolin (aka Master Killer) proved so popular that a sequel was called for. But master martial arts filmmaker Lau Kar Leung (aka Liu Chia-liang) eschewed the plot and characters of the original to create a delightful all-new story which showcased his adoptive brother as a hapless loser…that is, until he is convinced to help repair the run-down Shaolin Temple. Only then does he unknowingly learn a new kind of construction kung-fu to liberate his townspeople from the persecuting Manchus!
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Whose Baby Is In The Classroom? (1969)
Director: Inoue Umetsugu
Cast: Peter Chen Ho, Li Ching, Ouyang Sha-fei, Chin Hui-ling
Genre: Musical

Synopsis
There is a decidedly Japanese flavor to this musical comedy, shot on location in Japan under the direction of Shaw Brothers' number one Japanese import, director Inoue Umetsugu. The star, often called the "Cary Grant of Hong Kong," gives an inspired performance in this romantic farce, but sadly, it was his last for Shaw Brothers before his untimely death less than a year after the picture was released. Even so, it is a fitting testament to his carefree comic talent.
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.

Last Week's Edko Releases
Here are last week's Edko releases. Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to Edko for the information/pictures.

Bowling for Columbine (2002)
Director: Michael Moore
Cast: Michael Moore

Synopsis
Bowling for Columbine is a tour de force from award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore - and, in the wake of September 11, it is a stunningly brave piece of work. As his country's leading satirist and social documentarian, Moore, with this groundbreaking film, boldly asks a question that no American dare ask in these wildly patriotic times: "Are we a nation of gun nuts - or are we just nuts?"
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • English (DTS), English (DD 5.1)
  • Chinese (Traditional) subtitles
  • Region 3
  • Extras: Theatrical trailer, TV spot, photo gallery, and Michael Moore Q&A.

Last Week's Universe Releases
Here are last week's Universe releases. Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to Universe for the information/pictures.

Chicago (2002)
Director: Rob Marshall
Cast: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renee Zellweger, Richard Gere

Synopsis
Everybody loves a legend, but in Chicago, there's only room for one.

Velma is a top nightclub star and even a bigger celebrity after she guns down her cheating husband, thanks to smooth attorney Billy. But soon she is replaced by Roxie, the "Chicago Chorus Girl Shooting Her Unfaithful Lover", the most famous murderess in town. Velma soon finds herself old news, and the two girls struggle to get what they both want: freedom and fame.
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • English (DTS), English (DD 5.1), English (Stereo)
  • Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • Region 3
  • Extras: Behind the scenes.


  Wednesday, 8/20/2003

This Week's Panorama Releases
Here are this week's Panorama releases (08/21/2003). Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to Panorama for sending the pictures.

Japan
Village, The (1975)
  • Japanese
  • Chinese and English subtitles
  • Coded for region 3
Synopsis (from Panorama):
Kawano Shuko, staff of Tokyo's Union Theatre, comes to Matsuo Village in Iwate Province hoping to join hands with the local youth association to put on a musical, Hometown. Instead of making profits, the Theatre aims only at sharing a joyful night with the youngsters in the village. Although Shuko earns the support from Sato Takashi, president of the youth association, huge costs result in fierce opposition from other members. They finally consent to stage the musical when Takashi promises to cover the deficit, but Takashi and Shuko still have to overcome such other problems as unsatisfactory box office performance and absence of suitable venue before they can have their dream come true… An early and rarely seen masterpiece by the director of the Tora-san series and the majestic The Twilight Samurai, The Village is also one of the filmmaker's most cherished films.
Home From The Sea (1973)
  • Japanese
  • Chinese and English subtitles
  • Coded for region 3
Synopsis (from Panorama):
On a beautiful island in Seto Inner Sea, Seichi and Minko make their living from transporting rocks to construction sites by boats. They cherish the deepest affection for this piece of land they are attached to and enjoy their simple life there. Rapid industrial development, however, makes it impossible for them to carry on such a living style. They are forced to leave their beloved hometown in search of a brighter future, but with their everlasting longing to return. The story extols people's fondness for their native land and at the same time reflects the cruel social reality in the 1970s. Affectionately directed by Yamada Yoji, the film is considered one of the masterpieces in the history of Japanese cinema.
U.S.
Adaptation (2002) (DTS)
  • English
  • Chinese and English subtitles
  • Coded for region 3
Synopsis (from Panorama):
From director Spike Jonze and screenwriter Charlie Kaufman, the team responsible for the highly acclaimed Being John Malkovich, comes Adaptation, a wildly unconventional comedy about a writer who, out of sheer desperation, decides to insert himself into the screenplay he's struggling to adapt. It's a great idea, until reality and fiction begin to overlap in the most unexpected ways.

Despite the success of his first produced script, Being John Malkovich, for which he received an Academy Award, the nomination for best original screenplay, Charlie Kaufman (Nicolas Cage) is plagued by insecurities, both in his career and his personal life. When he is hired to adapt The Orchid Thief, a nonfiction book about a fanatical orchid breeder, John Laroche (Chris Cooper), he is completely stumped. Though, on the surface, the book is about Laroche's flower poaching adventures in the Florida Everglades, on another level it's also about the desire in all of us to experience passion. This longing plagues the book's author, Susan Orlean (Meryl Streep) and, Charlie realizes, himself as well.
Path To War (2002)
No Picture
  • English
  • Chinese and English subtitles
  • Coded for region 3
Synopsis (from Panorama):
The advisors of President Lyndon Johnson argue vehemently about the pros and cons of bombing North Vietnamese targets as it becomes clear that Ho Chi Minh is determined to win a military victory. But to defeat the Vietcong it will require far more soldiers, time and money than the American public will endure...


Last Week's Mega Star Releases
Here are last week's Mega Star releases. Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to Mega Star for sending the pictures.

Music
Candy Lo - True Music 1st Flight Live 2003 (DTS)
  • Audio
    • Dolby Stereo Karaoke
    • Dolby Stereo Vocal
    • Dolby Digital 5.1 Vocal
    • DTS 5.1 Vocal
  • Subtitles
    • Traditional Chinese Karaoke
    • Traditional Chinese
    • Simplified Chinese


  Monday, 8/18/2003

Shaw Brothers DVD Delays
According to IVL, the following releases have been delayed:
Covers For Aug 14 Shaw Brothers Batch
Here are the covers for the Aug 14 Shaw Brothers batch. The specs can be found in the 8/1 update. Thanks to IVL for sending the pictures.

 


  Saturday, 8/16/2003

This Week's Mei Ah Releases
Here are this week's Mei Ah releases. Click on the pictures below for a larger image. Thanks to Mei Ah for sending the pictures.

Ghosts (2002)20/30 Dictionary (Volume 15 and 16)
(TV Series)
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Cantonese, Mandarin
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • Cantonese, Mandarin
  • Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • PAL format


This Week's Universe Releases
Here are this week's Universe releases. Click on the pictures below for a larger image. Thanks to Universe for sending the pictures.

Hong Kong
Truth Or Dare: 6th Floor Rear Flat (2003)
(2 DVD Set)
  • Letterboxed
  • Cantonese (DD 5.1), Cantonese (Stereo), Mandarin (DD 5.1)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
U.S.
Chicago (2002) (DTS)Art Of A Bullet, The (1999)
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • English (DTS), English (DD 5.1), English (Stereo)
  • Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • Coded for region 3
  • Full Screen
  • English (Stereo)
  • Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles


Galleries For Aug 22 Shaw Brothers Batch
Here are the picture galleries for the Aug 22 Shaw Brothers batch. The galleries will be deleted after 1 1/2 weeks. Thanks to IVL for sending the pictures. Original Poster Art For Sept 4 Shaw Brothers Batch
Here is the original poster art for the Sept 4 Shaw Brothers batch. Click on the pictures below for a larger image. Thanks to IVL for sending the pictures.



Next Week's Deltamac Releases
There will be no Fortune Star DVD/VCD releases next week.

  Wednesday, 8/13/2003

Galleries For Aug 14 Shaw Brothers Batch
Here are the picture galleries for the Aug 14 Shaw Brothers batch. The galleries will be deleted after one week. Thanks to IVL for sending the pictures. Original Poster Art For Next Shaw Brothers Batch
Here is the original poster art for the next Shaw Brothers batch due for release on Aug 22. Click on the pictures below for a larger image. Thanks to IVL for sending the pictures.



  Monday, 8/11/2003

Last Week's Universe Releases
Here are last week's Universe releases. Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to Universe for sending the pictures.

Japan
Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002) aka Godzilla X Mechagodzilla (DTS)Masked Rider Dragon The Movie (2002) (DTS)
  • Letterboxed
  • Japanese (Stereo), Cantonese (DTS), Cantonese (DD 5.1)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • Coded for region 3
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Japanese (Stereo), Cantonese (DTS), Cantonese (DD 5.1)
  • Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • Coded for region 3


Last Week's Mei Ah Releases
Here are last week's Mei Ah releases. Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to Mei Ah for sending the pictures.

Colour Of The Truth (2003) (DTS)Shaolin Temple (1982) (Remastered)
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Cantonese, Mandarin (DTS)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Cantonese, Mandarin (DTS)
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
20/30 Dictionary (Volume 13 and 14)
(TV Series)
  • Cantonese, Mandarin
  • Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • PAL format


This Week's Deltamac Releases
Here are this week's Deltamac releases (08/14/2003). These are new DVD releases, not to be confused with the old DVDs from Mega Star and WA.
They should all have the following specs: Also Available: Past Deltamac/Fortune Star DVD Releases

Last Week's Deltamac Releases
There were no Fortune Star DVD/VCD releases last week.

Last Week's Edko Releases
Here are last week's Edko releases. Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to Edko for sending the pictures.

U.S.
Hunted, The (2003)
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • English (DTS), English (DD 5.1)
  • Chinese (Traditional) subtitles
  • Coded for region 3
  • Extras: Theatrical trailer, TV spot, "making of" documentary, photo gallery, and cast/crew filmographies.


  Tuesday, 8/5/2003

This Week's Panorama Releases
Here are this week's Panorama releases (08/08/2003). Click on the pictures below for a larger image. Thanks to Panorama for sending the pictures.

JapanU.K.
Dolls (2002)Firepower (1979)
  • Japanese, Cantonese
  • Chinese and English subtitles
  • Coded for region 3
  • English
  • Chinese and English subtitles
  • Coded for region 3
U.K.
Green Ice (1981)Peeping Tom (1960)
No Picture
  • English
  • Chinese and English subtitles
  • Coded for region 3
  • English
  • Chinese subtitles
  • Coded for region 3


  Friday, 8/1/2003 (Second Update)

IVL Shaw Brothers Specs
Here are the specs for the August 14 batch of Shaw Brothers releases from IVL.

Golden Lotus, The (1974)
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Coded for region 3
  • Extras:
    • The Savant - Li Han-hsiang
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Synopsis (from IVL):
There have been many film versions of The Golden Lotus, the most erotic novel in Chinese history, but none have combined artistry with sensuality as successfully as this 1974 classic, featuring three of the screen's sexiest stars. The director was already famous for his historical epics and modern sex comedies, but here outdoes himself in this recounting of the murders, corruptions, and sexual exploits of a Sung Dynasty lothario 900 years ago.
Journey Of The Doomed (1985)
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Coded for region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Synopsis (from IVL):
Journey of the Doomed stars Tung Wei as a knight that finds himself protecting the life of a beautiful young lady being stalked by a bunch of assassins headed by kung-fu actress extraordinaire Hui Ying-hung. Tung Wei was the kid that Bruce Lee slaps on the head at the beginning of Enter The Dragon. He went on to kung-fu stardom before coming a highly successful fight director for Jet Li and Jackie Chan.
Land Of Many Perfumes, The (1968)
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Coded for region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Synopsis (from IVL):
Fourth in Shaw Brothers' highly successful film series based on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, this takes up where The Monkey Goes West, Princess Iron Fan, and The Cave of the Silken Web left off. The Monk, Monkey and Pigsy find themselves in the title realm, where women can only give birth to women…unless loved by a man. Viewers under the impression that Chinese classics are chaste and conservative are in for a pleasant surprise!
Master, The (1980)
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Coded for region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Synopsis (from IVL):
Yuan Te, Jackie Chan's kung-fu classmate and Sammo Hung's fight coordinator on his Hollywood hit Martial Law, makes his acting debut in The Master as downtrodden kung-fu student Ko Chien, who saves the life of a kung-fu master (Chen Kuan-tai), who is being stalked by three killers. Te's kung-fu skills rival Jet Li's, which is why Jet used Te as his fight choreographer in his Hollywood hits Kiss of the Dragon and The One.
Pearl Phoenix, The (1967)
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Coded for region 3
  • Extras:
    • The Huangmeixi Romances: Scroll Two
    • The Huangmeixi Romances: Scroll Three
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Synopsis (from IVL):
Huangmei Opera movies like The Pearl Phoenix are unique to 1960's Hong Kong culture, a product of the Swinging Sixties but considerably more in touch with their Chinese roots. This one is complete with a gender-bending tale where the male lead is played by a female and the female lead poses as a man, plus movie queen Li Ching and the singing voices of Ivy Ling Po and Jing Ting. Sit back and enjoy!
Pure And The Evil, The (1982)
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Coded for region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Synopsis (from IVL):
The Pure And The Evil begins with two teen girls who are inseparable but ends like Fatal Attraction where guttered sexuality leads to insanity. Rose and Fang were from opposite ends of the spectrum, but were close. The refined Fang moves to America but returns years later to see her old buddy Rose who immediately takes an eye to her fiancé. Things quickly digress into erotic deterio-ration as Rose's thorns begin to stick in Fang's and her fiancé's sides.
Sex For Sale (1974)
  • Letterboxed (2.35:1)
  • Languages: Mandarin
  • Subtitles: Chinese (Traditional), English, Bahasa (Malaysia), Bahasa (Indonesia)
  • Coded for region 3
  • Extras:
    • Trailers, picture gallery, poster art, behind the scenes pictures, biographies/filmographies, and production notes.
Synopsis (from IVL):
In the early 70s, many martial art films focused on epic journeys of heroism. At the same time some directors focused on sexual journeys of desire as evident with Sex For Sale, an Asian version of Midnight Cowboy where Chin Han plays a male model thrust into sexual situation he wasn't prepared for. Joined by a cast of stellar eroticism, like the feline Ai Ti and the alluring Tina Chin Fei, the film broke new ground touching upon issues of homo-sexuality.


  Friday, 8/1/2003 (First Update)

This Week's Mei Ah Releases
Here are this week's Mei Ah releases. Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to Mei Ah for sending the pictures.

Kung Fu Master Is My Grandma! (2003)20/30 Dictionary (Volume 11 and 12)
(TV Series)
  • Cantonese, Mandarin
  • Chinese (Traditional), English, and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • PAL format
  • Cantonese, Mandarin
  • Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles
  • PAL format


Next Week's Mei Ah Releases
Here are next week's Mei Ah releases (08/09/2003). DVD covers will be posted at the end of next week. Also, Mei Ah have redesigned their website:
http://www.meiah.com/

This Week's Panorama Releases
Here are this week's Panorama releases. Click on the pictures below for a larger image. Thanks to Panorama for sending the pictures.

The New Option - The Revenge
(Michael Wong)
Boy Met Girl
(Grace Lam)
  • Cantonese, Mandarin
  • Chinese and English subtitles
  • Full Screen
  • Cantonese
  • Chinese and English subtitles


This Week's Edko Releases
Here are this week's Edko releases. Click on the pictures below for a larger image. Thanks to Edko for sending the pictures.

Korea
My Sassy Girl (2001)
(Director's Cut)
Too Young To Die (2001)
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • Korean (DD 2.0)
  • Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles
  • Coded for region 3
  • Extras: Theatrical trailer, music video, photo gallery, and cast/crew filmographies.
  • Edko's Press Release [MS Word format]
  • Korean (DD 2.0)
  • Chinese (Traditional) and English subtitles
  • Coded for region 3
  • Extras: Photo gallery and cast/crew filmographies
  • Edko's Press Release [MS Word format]


This Week's Universe Releases
Here are this week's Universe releases. Click on the picture below for a larger image. Thanks to Universe for sending the pictures.

U.S.
Final Destination 2 (2003) (DTS)Uninvited Guest (1999)
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • English (DTS), English (DD 5.1), English (Stereo)
  • Chinese (Traditional) subtitles
  • Coded for region 3
  • Letterboxed and 16x9 enhanced
  • English (Stereo)
  • Chinese (Traditional) and Chinese (Simplified) subtitles